One Shots

The Black Diary

The Black Diary

Dear Hallie,

My true and beloved best friend, I’m sitting in Mr. Clamore’s class bored out of my mind. Have you ever noticed his nose? What’s with his nose hair? Has he ever heard of a trim?

On another note, is Ben sitting with us today? Did I tell you about yesterday? I probably did, but I’ll tell you anyways. So we were both in chemistry and taking that killer quiz that I made you help me study for all night, and I dropped my pencil. Ben picked it up for me and smiled! I think he likes me back.

I gotta go. Mr. C’s staring at me,

XOXOXOX Clar Bear

Hallie’s grin vanished as she read the last paragraph.

Notes have been part of her and Clara’s routine since the beginning of the seventh grade. They would always write back no matter the circumstance and dropped the letters in each others’ lockers during passing periods. Today, however, Hallie felt sick to the stomach and din't feel like responding.

She’s always told her friend everything-- all of her family issues and that she secretly named her first dog cat, everything, there was only one thing Clara didn’t know about Hallie. And that thing was clawing at Hallie’s insides, pleading for a way out.

“Hallie, are you listening to me?” Mr. Greenback asked her with a annoyed look on his face.

“Oh, sorry, Mr. Greenback, just not feeling too well today,” she replied half-heartedly.

“Just don’t do it again,” The teacher said with a stern voice. Hallie replied with a small nod and Mr. Greenback went on with his lesson.

Hallie’s phone started to vibrate, indicating that she had a text. She looked around the room before checking it.

What’s wrong?

Hallie looked across the room to come face to face with Ben.

Nothing.

Ben continued to text her.

I know something’s wrong.

She looked up and saw Ben’s face, concern written all over it. Hallie also came in visual contact with Belle, known snitch and nerd. Belle raised her hand.

Nothing’s wrong. And you’re going to get me in trouble.

Hallie quickly texted and shoved her phone back into her pocket.

“What is it, Belle?” Mr. Greenback asked when he saw her raised arm.

“Hallie’s got a phone.”

“Is that true, Hallie?”

“No, I haven’t got a clue what she’s talking about.” Hallie lied flawlessly.

“Belle, what have I told you about lying? It does no-,”

“But, she’s got a phone. I saw it.”

“Belle, step outside, please,” Mr. Greenback was obviously in no mood to put up with daily teenage drama today and waited for Belle to walk through the door. Halfway there, she glared daggers at Hallie, which she returned with a small smile.
~~~~~~~~

After class, Hallie went straight to her locker, not wanting Ben to interrogate her with questions. Passing Clara’s locker, Hallie sees the look of confusion on her best friend’s face when she realizes there's no note.

Quickly grabbing her lunch box out if her locker, Hallie speed walks to the tables outside of the school. Her escape plan doesn’t work. Ben rapidly cuts her off of her course as she skids to a stop.